KETV's Jeff Frolio Remembered

A pair of carnations adorned the locker of former KETV photojournalist Jeff Frolio on the two-year anniversary of the on-the-job accident that took his life.

The 45-year-old died June 10, 2004 after being struck by a car while shooting footage of an intersection at 222nd and West Center Road where two teens had died. He was survived by his wife, Marianne, and their three children: Nicki, David and Carly.

Frolio's locker in the photographer's office remains preserved as he left it. Another constant reminder of his 20-year career at KETV is "The Fro File," a collection of meticulously archived tapes that he compiled after being frustrated looking for file video early in his career.

"Jeff is obviously not forgotten in this newsroom," said Peter Soby, National Press Photographers Association Region 9 Director and a colleague of Frolio's at KETV. "Not a week goes by when someone asks, 'Remember when Frolio covered that?' We really miss him."

Frolio is best remembered for his love of family, photography, music and theater. Following his death, hundreds of condolence e-mails poured into an online forum set up on KETV's website.

An influx of newcomers to the KETV newsroom may have pared the ranks of those who worked alongside Frolio, Soby said, but the memory of his death serves as a reminder of the dangers of the profession. KETV staffers are now provided with neon-colored vests to wear while covering roadside stories.

"We're a little more skittish about shooting in traffic," Soby said. "I know when I'm with a reporter, I always remind them to watch out for traffic. Sometimes we forget we're in the middle of the street because we are concentrating so much on doing our job."